New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS): The Indian Medical Association (IMA) would be launching a drive to promote cleanliness in hospitals and medical centres around the country, a statement said Thursday.

The "Swachh Medical centre - Swastha Bharat" would be observed Nov 7 to 14 and would encourage medical facilities to provide dustbins at easily accessible spots, proper disposal of bio-medical waste, educate staffers on waste management etc.

The hospitals have been asked to ensure proper drainage, rainwater harvesting, availability of clean drinking water, and installation of effluent treatment plants.

"Most of the diseases are caused due to improper hygiene and when a person falls sick and approaches a hospital for treatment, the need of exceptionally hygienic environment grows multifold," the IMA said.

"We call upon the general public to help our hospitals and nursing homes become clean and hygienic in the interest of their own health," it added.